The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the Texas
Department of State Health Services investigate reports of
possible red tide along the coast and in the bays.

Three common signs of a red tide bloom are:

discolored water

dead fish

breathing difficulty.

From the Centers
for Disease Control:
The human health effects associated with eating brevetoxin-tainted shellfish
are well documented. However, scientists know little about how other types
of environmental exposures to brevetoxin—such as breathing the air near
red tides or swimming in red tides—may affect humans. Anecdotal evidence
suggests that people who swim among brevetoxins or inhale brevetoxins dispersed
in the air may experience irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, as well
as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Additional evidence suggests
that people with existing respiratory illness, such as asthma, may experience
these symptoms more severely.

To report sightings of red tide during normal business
hours, call your local TPWD office or 361-825-3244. Outside of normal
business hours you may call TPWD's 24-hour communications centers at 512-389-4848
(Austin) or 281-842-8100 (Houston.)

Although some travelers may be concerned with how the
red tide may affect their vacation plans, there are miles of clean beaches
to enjoy on the Texas coast. When making travel plans, heed the advice
of the Texas
Department of State Health Services : get the current facts and draw
your own conclusions.

For more information about red tide and the latest updates, call the
TPWD hotline at (800) 792-1112, select fishing, then select red tide.

Current information about shellfish closures can be
obtained by contacting the Seafood Safety Division of the Texas Department
of State Health Services at (800) 685-0361. The Texas Parks and Wildlife
Department and the Texas Department of State Health Services investigate
reports of possible red tide along the coast and in the bays.